Page 42 of The Winter Bride

‘Hmm.’ Annie’s mind was doing overtime. London . . . it sounded like a dream. Although it would be a wrench to be so far away from Peggy and Levi and the people she loved.

As if reading her mind, Marie went on persuasively, ‘Just think, you could all ’op on a train to come back and visit when you ’ad time. And I would love to ’ave you closer. My ’usband works long hours and it can be lonely with only the servants to keep me company. I would love to ’ave you there. Why don’t I make a few enquiries for you when I go back? I could find out what shops are available to rent and let you know, if you wish?’

‘That would be wonderful,’ Annie agreed.

‘Is missing your late ’usband the only reason you wish to move?’ Marie asked, sensing something was troubling Annie.

‘Well, to tell the truth it would be a relief to put some distance between myself and Monty’s brother,’ Annie admitted. ‘He’s always made a nuisance of himself but since I lost Monty, he seems to think he can come round here whenever he likes. His excuse is always that he wants to see Adam, but I never feel safe around him.’

‘Ah, I remember you tellin me ’e was a bad man. In that case it would be good to put some distance between you,’ Marie agreed. ‘Now, let me spend a little time with your adorable little boy.’

It was late afternoon when Marie regretfully glanced at the clock. ‘I must be leaving now. I do not wish to be too late. I told my ’usband where I was coming but ’e will be concerned if I am too late getting ’ome.’

‘Of course. I’ll put Adam in his pushchair and walk you to the station,’ Annie offered. She was reluctant to let her go.

‘Non, it is far too cold to venture out unless you ’ave to,’ Marie said as she fastened the pin into her hat and slipped on her coat. ‘But ’ave no fear. I will start to look for suitable premises for you immediately and I shall write should I find anything. Then you could perhaps come and stay with us overnight and I can take you to see it for yourself?’

Annie was concerned about Marie venturing out alone in the dark after all the attacks that had taken place, but as Marie pointed out, the station was only a hop and a skip away and it was still afternoon so there were plenty of people about.

‘That would be wonderful.’ For some long time now, Annie had felt she had nothing to look forward to, but now she was excited at the prospect of a new venture.

When Marie had gone, Annie told Nancy about her suggestion.

Nancy looked shocked. ‘But ’ow would we get there?’ London sounded like the other side of the world to her.

‘Well, we’d go by train. It’s only a few hours’ journey,’ Annie explained. ‘But not a word of this to any of Monty’s family yet. Nothing might come of it if Marie can’t find any suitable shops to rent. But if she does, I don’t want Reggie to know where we are.’

‘But what about Levi an’ Peggy? An’ Susan an’ Eve an’—’

‘Oh, of course we’d tell them, but let’s just wait and see what happens, eh?’

Nancy nodded. Although it sounded a long way away, she would have followed Annie to the ends of the earth. She had become the family Nancy had always longed for and she was totally devoted to her.

Chapter Twenty-One

On a blustery March morning, a letter with a London postmark landed in Annie’s letterbox and she tore it open excitedly.

‘Is it from Marie?’ Nancy asked as she fed Adam his breakfast.

Annie nodded. ‘Yes . . . and she thinks she’s found a shop that might be just right for us. There are fully furnished living quarters above it and the rent is very reasonable – for London, that is.’

‘But could you afford it?’

Annie was already doing quick calculations in her head and after a moment she nodded. ‘Yes, after the down payment, I’d have more than enough for new stock there, and Susan could continue buying from the profits from the shop here.’

‘So what are yer goin’ to do?’

‘I think it might be worth a trip and an overnight stay with Marie to go and view it. But don’t worry, I’ll get Peggy to come and stay here with you and Adam. I wouldn’t want you staying on your own with Reggie always on the prowl. The man is a damned nuisance.’

At that moment the back door opened and Peggy appeared, so Annie showed her the letter.

‘What do you think?’ she asked.

Peggy sighed. She hated the thought of Annie leaving but she didn’t want to hold her back. ‘Well, if you feel like it’s something you want to do then it’s worth givin’ it a go. Yer know the old sayin, “nothin’ ventured nothin’ gained”. You’re a bright girl an’ more than capable of makin’ a go of anythin’ yer set yer mind to. But I’ll admit, we’ll all miss yer.’

‘But I would come back often,’ Annie promised. ‘And you could come and stay with us too.’

‘Oh, I don’t know about that,’ Peggy chuckled. ‘I ain’t a city girl. But what I came to tell yer is be extra careful if yer go out after dark. Another young girl were found dead in an alley off Abbey Street this mornin’. It’s all cordoned off an’ there are police everywhere.’ She shook her head. ‘It’s a sad thing when a woman ’as to be afraid o’ settin’ foot outside the door of a nighttime. The sooner this murderer is found the better. On a happier note, I’ve also got some good news. I suppose I should let ’er tell yer ’erself but I’m that pleased fer ’er. Susan told me an’ Eve last night that Tim ’as asked her to marry ’im an’ she’s said yes.’